Geothermal ‘pool of god’ opens on Iceland beach

Designed on three levels over a cliff at Langisandur beach in Akranes, the new attraction is a hotspot in all weathers.

A new geothermal pool designed on a cliff in western Iceland has opened at Langisandur beach by the town of Akranes. The architecturally designed attraction is called Guðlaug, which is both a female name and means ‘pool of god’.

The first people to strip off in freezing weather to enjoy the hot water said the view from the pool was magnificent, across the beach and bay over towards Reykjavik, Iceland Monitor reports.

The idea for the pool came from the puddles that are formed on the beach at low tide. It is open on Wednesdays and Fridays between 16:00 and 20:00, and at weekends between 10:00 to 14:00.

Luxurious concrete
A contract to build the new attraction was signed in August 2017 between Akranes municipality and the construction company Ístak.

A geothermal swimming pool already exists at Langasand, and the municipality has described the new pool extension as “a very luxurious concrete building”.

Guðlaug has three levels with steps between them, the top serving as a viewing platform, while a hot tub, showers and waiting area are on the second level. At the bottom will be a water park and exit to the beach to open at a later date.